ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA), victimisation and the development of later offending behaviour among CSA victims. Attention is also paid to the relationship between being sexually victimised as a child and being revictimised over time. Studies that exist have used different methodologies and approaches. Taken together, however, the research suggests that being victimised sexually does increase the young person’s chances of later being convicted of offences and being revictimised. In addition to reviewing the relevant literature, the chapter provides a brief overview of a programme of research which the authors have undertaken with colleagues to investigate the long-term effects of CSA in a sample of almost 3,000 cases of children who were confirmed to have been sexually abused. Although the sample contains mostly women, it does include more than 500 men. The results reveal that while most victims do not become offenders or victims, a disproportionate number do. Clinical and policy implications are discussed in light of the findings.
